Takiro
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TA 2785: Force Distinction
« on: June 07, 2009, 04:03:55 AM » Quote Modify Remove Split Topic
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Another topic we should tackle almost immediately in this latest fanbook is that of force distinction. It is important because Threat Assessments 2785 will deal only with Line Forces. However, as far as I can see there is at least three very different types of distinct military forces deployed throughout the Human Sphere.
The main two forces are line forces which I recognize as troops that are adept at interstellar and interplanetary travel and militia forces that are the planet bound defenders of their respective home worlds. The wildcard is noble forces who are the personal owners of their military equipment including BattleMechs and can be found in either line or militia forces. Dispossessed is only a relevant status to these Battlefield Lords as they aren't regular soldiers per say.
I'd like to expand on these initial thoughts and get your thoughts.
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Re: TA 2785: Force Distinction
« Reply #1 on: June 07, 2009, 02:15:53 PM » Quote Modify Remove Split Topic
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Noble forces can be hard to pigeonhole. If its like some of the units wandering around pre-WW1 then their size might not be related to their title- a "regiment" with only 2 companies formed; or exotic titles like Chaussers (sp?) or Voltiguers (sp?) that might not even fit the equipment at hand...
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Re: TA 2785: Force Distinction
« Reply #2 on: June 07, 2009, 06:25:47 PM » Quote Modify Remove Split Topic
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Quote from: muttley on June 07, 2009, 02:15:53 PM
Chaussers (sp?) or Voltiguers (sp?) t
Chasseurs and Voltigeurs
Quote from: Takiro on June 07, 2009, 04:03:55 AM
The wildcard is noble forces who are the personal owners of their military equipment including BattleMechs and can be found in either line or militia forces. Dispossessed is only a relevant status to these Battlefield Lords as they aren't regular soldiers per say.
Are the different States strong enough to pass laws against that?
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Re: TA 2785: Force Distinction
« Reply #3 on: June 07, 2009, 06:52:19 PM » Quote Modify Remove Split Topic
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Pass laws against what? The InnerSphere is a neo-feudal society, noble forces are sort of inherent in that whole culture. Noble forces are spread throughout the other two main force branches.
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Re: TA 2785: Force Distinction
« Reply #4 on: June 07, 2009, 08:19:21 PM » Quote Modify Remove Split Topic
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Depending on the era, the noble forces are the national armies or so the older source material was written as.
Some entire units became national units- Kestrel Grenadiers IIRC
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Re: TA 2785: Force Distinction
« Reply #5 on: June 08, 2009, 03:59:00 AM » Quote Modify Remove Split Topic
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Militia should have capabilities useful to the planetary government- much like the US National Guard or UK Territorials besides just armor/infantry/mech units. Engineers, Communications, logistics, transportation (air or truck). Then when a world is under attack you can move the teeth of a unit and leave the tail behind. Plus some sort of scout unit familiar with the terrain- Australia has several of these (Northwest Regiment & Pilbara regiment I believe)
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Re: TA 2785: Force Distinction
« Reply #6 on: June 08, 2009, 04:22:30 PM » Quote Modify Remove Split Topic
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Maybe we should try to define the Capellan Home Guard while we are on the subject. I always thought of the Home Guard as a force seperate from both the line units and the planetary militias. They are geared almost entirely for defense, but are equipped, paid and trained by the central government. I guess the Capellan doctrine of flexibility led them to create a force with the interplanetary mobility of regular army units, but focused on repelling or pinning down foreign invaders.
I would also argue that the Federated Suns's March Militias work on a very similar principle to the Home Guard, though neither side would be quick to admit it.
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Re: TA 2785: Force Distinction
« Reply #7 on: June 09, 2009, 01:45:10 AM » Quote Modify Remove Split Topic
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Quote from: FirstStarLord on June 08, 2009, 04:22:30 PM
Maybe we should try to define the Capellan Home Guard while we are on the subject. I always thought of the Home Guard as a force seperate from both the line units and the planetary militias. They are geared almost entirely for defense, but are equipped, paid and trained by the central government. I guess the Capellan doctrine of flexibility led them to create a force with the interplanetary mobility of regular army units, but focused on repelling or pinning down foreign invaders.
I would also argue that the Federated Suns's March Militias work on a very similar principle to the Home Guard, though neither side would be quick to admit it.
A good point FSL but I would classify the Capellan Home Guard as a high end Militia Force. Maybe because it is the names Line and Militia that some confusion is entering the conversation. The Capellan Home Guard like the Terran System Defense Forces (SDFs) are tasked with the defense of their homeworlds. I would say these forces are no simple Planetary Militia but they aren't Line Forces which have been listed in other canon BT products. Perhaps Defense Forces would be a better name. March Militias are primarily defenders as well but they enter the Line or Interstellar Forces because they frequently move between worlds.
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Re: TA 2785: Force Distinction
« Reply #8 on: June 11, 2009, 02:49:40 AM » Quote Modify Remove Split Topic
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I really don't want to stray too far off topic here so I will simply say this. In canon you had a complete power vacuum, in BTSD you have a young seemingly capable heir. Power perceived is power achieved. Meaning each leader has a different presence and Amanda's is a massive one especially to Terrans.
To get back on topic I found this when look for unit names
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Regiments of the Line mean exactly what it says. Line regiments are cavalry, infantry, and artillery units trained to fight in the line of battle. Line regiments are trained to openly engage their enemies in ordered ranks using cold steel and firepower to achieve victory. Line regiments were also commonly called Regulars to separate them from the Guard units and any militia force hastily rose during wartime.
That is a really good explanation but it sounds dated. I propose we update it to the 28th Century.
Interstellar or Stellar Commands - Units that are adept in traversing space to engage their enemies.
Planetary Commands - Drops the militia and simple denotes units which that operate within the confines of their native planet.
Needs more detail but in a nut shell that is it.
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Re: TA 2785: Force Distinction
« Reply #9 on: June 11, 2009, 07:36:47 PM » Quote Modify Remove Split Topic
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Quote from: Takiro on June 11, 2009, 02:49:40 AM
Interstellar or Stellar Commands - Units that are adept in traversing space to engage their enemies.
Planetary Commands - Drops the militia and simple denotes units which that operate within the confines of their native planet.
I still think Guards, Regulars, Militia is a good system.
You could still add the Interstellar/Stellar commands to split the units between those able to travel across the stars and those kept in the same stellar system.
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In Turn they tested each Clan namesake in trial against the Ice Hellion's mettle. Each chased the Ice Hellion, hunting it down. All failed to match the predator's speed and grace. Khan Cage smiled and said, "And that is how we shall be."
The Remembrance (Clan Ice Hellion) Passage 5, Verse 3, Lines 1 - 5
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